Hidden Canyon Road East - BLM 1003

Trail Overview

This 12-mile stretch of BLM 1003 is the eastern section of Hidden Canyon Road and is one of the main routes through this particular region. It is a connection trail between the (easy) main road County Highway 103 - Twin Point, Saint George Canyon Road (BLM 1034) (mild), and Hidden Canyon Road West (advanced), in addition to several offshoot trails like Rattlesnake Canyon Road (BLM 1054). Hidden Canyon Road is aptly named as the trail weaves and winds its way through the beautiful canyon floor, as tall peaks and rocky cliff-sides tower over on either side. The trail is wide and established with trail markers at the beginning and end. The trail is predominantly mild, but several spots have deep ruts from erosion, rocky sections with little ledges and loose rocks, and random, abrupt runoff grooves in the trail that can catch you by surprise. The trail dips in and out of the river wash quite a few times, with some drop-ins being more challenging than others with short, steep grades and ruts. Towards the northwestern end of the trail, there has been some major previous washout damage. It has been somewhat repaired, but it is still a rocky and uneven section. Use extreme caution in wet/rainy conditions, as flash flooding happens in this region and the trail may become impassable. A couple of corrals were noted along the route. Livestock are free-roaming in the canyon and can be on the trail, so be on the lookout. Towards the middle of the trail, there are remnants of a rock house or structure. Online rumors mention it may have been one of Butch Cassidy's hideouts, but it cannot be confirmed. Directly across from it is an old fence/corral that may have been used by the inhabitants. A campsite with fire rings large enough for a couple of vehicles is at the very southern end, near the turnoff onto County Highway 103. As a reminder, the Arizona Strip is incredibly remote with no service and hardly any visitors. Summer months will reach triple-digit temperatures and freezing temperatures in the winter months. Be prepared when venturing out here.

Photos of Hidden Canyon Road East - BLM 1003

Want to see more?

Login

Difficulty

The trail is predominantly mild, but there are several spots that have deep ruts from erosion, rocky sections with little ledges and loose rocks, and random, abrupt runoff grooves in the trail that can catch you by surprise. The trail dips in and out of the river wash quite a few times, with some drop-ins being more challenging than others with short, steep grades and ruts.

Technical Rating